Football legend Harry Redknapp officially opened the new Jollyes store in Poole’s Wessex Gate East Retail Park on Saturday.

Customers turned out in force as Harry and his wife Sandra cut the ribbon to mark the occasion. They were accompanied by their bulldog Barney. 

Also at the opening was BCP Council chair Cllr Nigel Hedges, while the Rev Bryony Morrison of St James’ Church conducted a blessing for dogs and their owners who turned out to see the event. 

Matt Godwin, regional manager for Jollyes, said: “It was amazing to see the pet parents of Poole turn out in force for the opening of our first store in Dorset – and a special thanks to Barney – and of course his mum and dad – for coming to open the store.”  

Jollyes has announced more details of the ranges available at the new store, including dog and cat food, toys and accessories, food, treats and accessories for small pets, birds and fish. It will include Jollyes’ exclusive Lifestage dog food range, including dry food, trays and cans and its premium Lifestage Artisan dry food. 

In the weeks after opening, the store will also host a Community Pet Clinic, offering regular health checks, vaccinations, flea and worming and microchipping. 

As the first Jollyes store in Dorset, the Poole store will complement Jollyes outlets in neighbouring counties of Hampshire, Somerset, Devon and Wiltshire, including Bridgwater, Chippenham, Congresbury, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Waterlooville.